Physical training in a comprehensive program of prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in geriatric patients

Muscles play an important role in daily activities. In a healthy person, skeletal muscles make up about 40% of the total body weight and contain 50-75% of all body proteins. During aging and/or in the presence of concomitant risk factors, there is a loss of strength, mass and function of skeletal muscles. Sarcopenia is widespread among older people and is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including falls, decreased functionality, frailty and mortality. Lack of physical activity in old age is an important risk factor for sarcopenia. Therefore, physical activity is the main method of preventing and slowing the progression of age-related sarcopenia. Although physical activity cannot completely suppress the process of sarcopenia and age-related deterioration of muscle function, physical training can delay the onset of sarcopenia and reduce its severity. This literature review provides up-to-date information on the physiological, biochemical, and hormonal effects of exercise. The main types of physical activity that can be used for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in geriatric patients, the advantages and disadvantages of various types of physical exercise are considered.